Uncover: Calls From a Killer – Episode S33 E6: The Others

Podcast Information:

• Title: Uncover: Calls From a Killer
• Host/Author: CBC
• Episode: S33 E6: The Others
• Release Date: June 23, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the chilling interactions between reporter Arlene Bynon and Clifford Olson, one of Canada's most notorious serial killers. Through secret jailhouse calls, Arlene uncovers buried secrets about Olson's crimes, police failures, and the lingering pain of his victims' families. Joined by Peter Worthington and Nathaniel Frum, the episode exposes hard truths about a forgotten tragedy and the manipulative mind of a killer.

1. Introduction and Personal Connection

Nathaniel Frum’s Story: The episode begins with Nathaniel Frum recounting a personal encounter that profoundly impacted his life. At the age of 12 or 13, Nathaniel received a cold call from Clifford Olson, a convicted serial killer.

• [00:45] Nathaniel Frum: “I had just spoken for half an hour with a serial killer, a big one.”

This unexpected interaction left Nathaniel in a state of panic as he realized he had been communicating with someone capable of horrific crimes.

2. Arlene Bynon’s Jailhouse Calls with Clifford Olson

Secret Communications: Arlene Bynon, alongside Peter Worthington, conducted hundreds of hours of secret phone calls with Clifford Olson while he was incarcerated. These calls were kept hidden from prison guards as Olson was not permitted to speak to the media.

• [03:47] Arlene Bynon: “From the moment Clifford Olson was sentenced to life in prison, he started trying to cut a second cash for bodies deal.”

Olson’s Manipulation: Olson attempted to negotiate deals for information on additional murders, hinting at his involvement beyond the eleven convictions.

• [04:18] Clifford Olson: “We have to use logic. If I'm never gonna be released in Canada...then if I ever got out, they could extradite me.”

3. Connections to Other Murders

Olson and the Green River Killer: Olson suggested he was linked to the Green River Killer murders in Seattle, a claim that initially intrigued Arlene and Peter but was later dismissed by authorities.

• [05:04] Arlene Bynon: “He was betting that the Seattle Green River murders had no leads, which the Attorney General later confirmed was unlikely.”

Contradictory Statements: Throughout the calls, Olson’s stories often contradicted each other, casting doubt on his credibility regarding other murders.

• [08:25] Kathy Lamberton: “She was 30.”
• [08:53] Arlene Bynon: “Clifford Olson: I was down in the States after I got out.”

4. The Disappearance of Verna Bejerki

Kathy Lamberton’s Involvement: Kathy Lamberton, a friend of Verna Bejerki, becomes a pivotal figure in uncovering Olson’s potential involvement in Verna’s disappearance.

• [10:08] Kathy Lamberton: “Verna wanted to go see her boyfriend... and Verna got in the front and I got in the back.”

The Fateful Encounter: Two days before Verna went missing, she and Kathy hitchhiked and were picked up by Olson. Although they reached their destination safely, Kathy remained convinced that Verna became a victim.

• [14:11] Arlene Bynon: “Kathy recognized Olson, and the sight of him triggered a frightening memory.”

Olson’s Inconsistent Admissions: While speaking to Olson years later, Kathy felt validated by his hints, though he never directly admitted to Verna’s death.

• [22:03] Arlene Bynon: “She'd found out which prison was housing him and went through the process to mail an inmate.”
• [22:39] Kathy Lamberton: “I think maybe in some of his letters he hints at it and teases.”

5. Police Investigation and Cash for Bodies Deal

Public Backlash: Following Olson’s initial confession and the subsequent cash for bodies deal, public opinion turned against the police, limiting their willingness to engage further with Olson.

• [27:50] Arlene Bynon: “Authorities had been chastised by the public and had very little appetite to deal with Olson again.”

Ongoing Theories: Despite Olson’s retractions and apologies, Peter and Arlene continued to believe in his involvement in additional murders based on logic and behavior patterns.

• [28:13] Arlene Bynon: “Peter and I were operating on sheer logic. Olson was a diagnosed severe psychopath...”

6. Evidence and Behavioral Patterns

Olson’s Target Selection: Olson meticulously selected victims who were vulnerable, often from broken or lower-income families, making it easier for him to exploit and conceal their disappearances.

• [24:27] Nathaniel Frum: “He had an instinct for all this... Kathy is convinced that Olson had one final advantage.”

Sophisticated Deception: Olson used fake business cards and checks to appear legitimate, enticing victims into his trap.

• [24:51] Clifford Olson: “I says, we're building construction company...”

7. Ongoing Efforts and Unresolved Cases

Kathy’s Search for Truth: Kathy has tirelessly pursued answers about Verna’s disappearance, organizing searches and consulting various experts, yet the case remains unresolved.

• [30:02] Kathy Lamberton: “I think somebody will stumble across them one day somewhere. If you feel strongly about something and the police aren't doing anything, just keep doing it yourself.”

Police Stance: The RCMP maintains that there is no evidence linking Olson to Verna’s disappearance, classifying her case as a runaway.

• [23:01] Arlene Bynon: “The investigation into her disappearance remains open and that... there is currently no evidence to link Verna's disappearance to Clifford Olson.”

8. Conclusion and Reflections

The Final Call: In the concluding moments of their interactions, Olson reveals his intentions to escape prison, signaling the end of any productive communication.

• [30:50] Clifford Olson: “I am leaving the Kingston Penitentiary on an escape...”

Unanswered Questions: The episode closes with lingering questions about the true extent of Olson’s crimes and the unresolved cases that may still haunt families like Kathy’s.

• [29:34] Clifford Olson: “We are not striking any deal with you, Clifford Robert.”

Call to Action: Kathy encourages others to persist in their search for truth, highlighting the importance of relentless pursuit even when official investigations falter.

• [30:02] Kathy Lamberton: “If you feel strongly about something and the police aren't doing anything, just keep doing it yourself. That's what I say. Just keep going.”

Key Takeaways:

• Manipulative Nature of Clifford Olson: Olson's ability to manipulate and deceive was evident in his interactions, seeking personal gain through information on additional murders.
• Investigative Challenges: The cash for bodies deal and public backlash hindered effective investigation, potentially allowing Olson to obscure more of his crimes.
• Unresolved Cases: Personal stories like Kathy’s highlight the ongoing pain and uncertainty faced by victims’ families, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and investigation.

Notable Quotes:

• Nathaniel Frum ([00:45]): “I had just spoken for half an hour with a serial killer, a big one.”
• Clifford Olson ([04:18]): “We have to use logic. If I'm never gonna be released in Canada...”
• Kathy Lamberton ([10:08]): “Verna wanted to go see her boyfriend...”
• Kathy Lamberton ([30:02]): “If you feel strongly about something and the police aren't doing anything, just keep doing it yourself.”

Final Thoughts: “Calls From a Killer” offers a haunting exploration of Clifford Olson’s manipulative interactions with those seeking the truth. Through personal narratives and investigative journalism, the episode sheds light on the complexities of uncovering hidden crimes and the enduring quest for justice by the families affected.